Staff Accountant

Northern Tool + Equipment is dedicated to serving tradespeople and ensuring they have the right tools for their jobs. As a Staff Accountant, your primary responsibility will be to maintain accurate accounting records, prepare financial reports, and support management decision-making through data analysis. Responsibilities - Maintain general ledger accounts within assigned areas of responsibility - Prepare monthly journal entries in accordance with the established close calendar - Perform timely and accurate balance sheet account reconciliations using various reconciliation tools and systems, including TrinTech Cadency, Microsoft Dynamics D365, JD Edwards, and Microsoft Excel - Reconcile balances to subledger activity and/or appropriate supporting documentation - Utilize strong Excel skills, formatting standards, and automation techniques to efficiently reconcile high‑volume transactional data - Investigate and resolve reconciling items, perform root‑cause analysis of discrepancies, and execute corrective actions - Proactively communicate reconciliation issues or concerns to reviewers and management - Partner professionally with global, cross‑functional teams to interpret, process, analyze, reconcile, and report on accounting and financial areas of ownership - Act as a backup and support the global accounting team by assisting with staff accountant responsibilities, including fixed assets and capital projects, payroll and benefit accruals, corporate cash accounting, and daily banking activities, as needed - Review account activity and postings throughout the month‑end close process to ensure accuracy, completeness, and reasonableness of balance sheet and income statement accounts - Complete assigned monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities within established deadlines - Prepare monthly profit and loss variance analyses comparing actual results to budget - Complete substantive general ledger reconciliations, roll‑forward schedules, and other supporting analyses in formats designated by Finance management - Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to accounting procedures, processes, and reporting that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control - Promote automation and reduce manual data entry where possible - Annually review relevant accounting memos and assess the impact of accounting methodology changes - Discuss proposed changes and recommendations with management - Support external audits by preparing assigned workpapers and responding to auditor inquiries related to accounting policies, procedures, and reconciliations Skills - Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required - 0–3 years of progressive accounting experience; retail industry experience a plus - Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), substantive balance sheet account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation - Understanding of profit and loss statements, including standard layout, structure, and data flow - Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas, formatting, and data analysis tools within a financial environment - Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, recurring deadlines, and month-end close activities in a fast-paced environment - High level of ownership and accountability with a proven ability to follow through on assignments independently while knowing when to escalate issues - Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to build effective working relationships across global and cross-functional teams - Clear and professional communicator who can explain accounting concepts and issues to both finance and non-finance stakeholders - Adaptable and receptive to change, with a willingness to learn new systems, processes, and accounting standards - Proactive problem solver who approaches challenges with curiosity, sound judgment, and a continuous improvement mindset - Demonstrate integrity, discretion, and professionalism when working with confidential financial information - Demonstrates Northern Tool + Equipment's 12 Core Competencies - Experience with ERP systems preferred, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 and/or JD Edwards - Exposure to additional financial systems and tools preferred, such as Power BI reporting, SAGE FAS, point-of-sale systems, and reconciliation software Benefits - Flexible Work Schedule - Comprehensive Benefits Package - Generous Employee Discount - Get Paid on Your Terms - Paid Holidays - Incentives Company Overview - Northern Tool + Equipment is an multi-channel retailer that offers industrial and construction equipment. It was founded in 1981, and is headquartered in Burnsville, Minnesota, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.northerntool.com.